How to become a Travel Consultant

Travel consultants provide information, advice and booking services for people wishing to travel. Travel consultants in large organisations may specialise in particular areas such as business, international or domestic travel.

Personal requirements for a Travel Consultant

Good communication skills
Strong customer focus
Good organisational skills
Strong computer and written skills
Able to work as part of a team
High level of personal presentation
Able to work under pressure
Enjoy working with people
Strong sales focus

Education & Training for a Travel Consultant

You can work as a travel consultant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications, skills or experience in office work, retail or tourism. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a travel consultant through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional information

Knowledge of a second language is highly desirable. Most people in the travel industry have also travelled extensively.

Duties & Tasks of a Travel Consultant

Travel consultants:

Provide literature and information to clients concerning local, interstate and international tours, travel routes, accommodation, local customs, fares, and travel regulations
Discuss client requirements and advise on suitable options
Plan, prepare and cost itineraries (travel plans) for clients
Make travel, accommodation and related bookings
Confirm bookings and notify clients of luggage limits and insurance, medical, passport, visa and currency requirements
Issue tickets for travel, accommodation vouchers and all relevant documentation
Collect payments and maintain records of transactions
Assist with changes to travel arrangements and bookings where required.

Tasks

Suggests itineraries based on available travel routes, availability and convenience of transport and cost.
Provides information on travel insurance, relevant government regulations such as customs regulations, and use of credit cards and traveller's cheques.
Determines clients' requirements for travel, accommodation and special interests.
Makes and confirms travel and accommodation reservations and informs clients of bus, plane, ship and train connections.
Provides literature and information on local and national tours and places of interest.
Notifies clients of travel dates, baggage limits, and medical and visa requirements.
Discusses transport availability and cost.
Answers inquiries from tourists and offers suggestions about tours, travel routes, accommodation and local customs.
Assists with travel clearances.
Collects payments and issues clients' itineraries, relevant documentation, tickets for travel and vouchers for accommodation.
Provides information on tourist attractions and tour availability, and procedures for dealing with lost and stolen documents.

Working conditions for a Travel Consultant

Ongoing learning is important to those working in the industry. Most travel consultants work on a commission basis. They work long hours including weekends, often working 10-hour days. Travel consultants may also work in call centres.

Employment Opportunities for a Travel Consultant

Travel consultants are employed by travel agencies, government tourist bureaus, tourism wholesalers and airline and shipping companies. Some travel consultants set up their own businesses. Job opportunities depend on the level of tourism activity.

Specializations

Travel Consultant

Average age
43
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
78% female
Average full-time
40 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
High skill
Unemployment
Average unemployment
Full-Time Share
53%
Employment Size
8,900
Employment by state
ACT: 1.4%
NSW: 33.6%
NT: 0.6%
QLD: 22.2%
SA: 6.6%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 24.5%
WA: 9.3%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.9%
20-24: 11.5%
25-34: 33.1%
35-44: 24.4%
45-54: 17.5%
55-59: 5.4%
60-64: 3.8%
65 and Over: 3.3%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 24.8%
Bachelor degree: 21.3%
Certificate III/IV: 19.3%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 3.8%
Year 10 and below: 4.3%
Year 11: 2.9%
Year 12: 23.6%